The United Performing Arts Fund Looking to Expand Footprint in Waukesha County

Apr 23, 2014 02:39PM
● Published by Laura Ustanovska

2014 UPAF Westside Campaign Kickoff

A
robust performing arts culture is vital to the well-being of our
community. And, one of the most invaluable supporters to our region’s
performing arts is the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), an
umbrella nonprofit organization with a threefold mission to raise
much-needed funds to ensure entertainment excellence, responsibly
steward the donors’ dollars and promote the performing arts as a
regional asset.

A
key strategic initiative for UPAF has been to increase the awareness,
understanding and support in the western suburbs. Statistics show
that Waukesha County residents frequent the Greater Milwaukee
performing arts scene but under index in per capita donations to the
performing arts. UPAF announced during its inaugural Westside UPAF
2014 Campaign Kickoff that it has set a goal of raising $1.5 million
from donors in Waukesha County.

“The
performing arts are important to the entire region of Southeastern
Wisconsin,” said Deanna Tillisch, president and CEO of UPAF. “They
boost our economy, educate our children and bring diverse audiences
together to enjoy superb entertainment. Our goal of $1.5 million for
the Westside is a 13% increase over 2013 donations from this area.
I’m confident with community support we will achieve this goal.”

UPAF
supports 15 member groups with over half of them, including the
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet and First Stage,
providing entertainment and educational opportunities within Waukesha
County. These member groups provide arts education outreach that
impacts almost 50,000 students in Waukesha County schools.
Cornerstones of the Waukesha County performing arts scene – Sharon
Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, Sunset Playhouse and Wisconsin
Philharmonic – also receive UPAF funding as affiliates.

For
more information on UPAF, its 2014 campaign, and the UPAF Ride for
the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, on Sunday, June 1, visit UPAF's website.